Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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ALISON L. BENNETT

Tacoma

Summary

Results-driven leader with a proven track record in developing and executing customer-focused product strategies. Successfully managed categories, key items, and brands to drive over $200M in annual sales as a Senior Buyer at Nordstrom. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams—including marketing, finance, technology, and e- commerce—to achieve business objectives and optimize performance. Skilled in financial analysis, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making. A trusted leader who cultivates high-performing teams, fostering innovation and continuous improvement. Passionate about driving transformation in the retail landscape through curiosity, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the customer.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Buyer: Modern Classic Apparel

Nordstrom
07.2023 - 02.2025
  • Defined customer-centric product strategy for a newly established department, yielding $200M in annual sales. Successfully regained market share, delivering a 30% sales increase, year-over-year. Grew new-to-Nordstrom customer count and reduced average age through a refined and elevated product offer.
  • Cultivated an inclusive and inspiring work environment, increasing productivity through implementation of streamlined processes, refined ways of working and championing individuals' contributions. Served on corporate hiring committee to identify upcoming talent to support long term growth within merchandising.
  • Optimized digital marketing and leveraged data sources to drive outsized ecommerce growth, increasing online penetration to over 50% of total business.
  • Negotiated successful vendor partnerships, including pricing, markup, and inventory turnover, resulting in 75 additional points of distribution and a 16% increase in year-end profitability.

Buyer: Contemporary Apparel

Nordstrom
01.2016 - 07.2023
  • Oversaw $250M in annual sales across four business channels and created tailored assortments to meet customer demands through specific category plans.
  • Forged relationship with new suppliers, expanding brand portfolio to include top volume brands such as Madewell, Allsaints, Mango, and Reformation. Exponentially increased market share and established fashion authority in the market.
  • Pivoted product and pricing strategies during COVID to minimize financial risk and adapt to changing customer behavior.
  • Partnered with cross-functional teams, including supply chain, to improve efficiency and supplier compliance.
  • Presented with 4 achievement awards for delivering top results within the apparel division.

Buyer: Topshop/Topman Apparel & Accessories

Nordstrom
03.2013 - 01.2016
  • Successfully launched and scaled exclusive Topshop/Topman partnership at Nordstrom, exceeding $120M in sales and growing footprint to 96 locations in first 3 years.
  • Created detailed line plans to support customer strategy across e-commerce and stores.
  • Enhanced product presentation through close collaboration with digital marketing and visual merchandising teams.
  • Collaborated with the Topshop design team in the UK to develop key products tailored to the US market. Crafted detailed line-plans by category, aesthetic, and price, differentiated by climate and customer demographics, to inform design and category architecture.

Assistant Buyer: Trend Apparel

Nordstrom
05.2011 - 03.2013
  • Conducted extensive market and trend research, presenting fashion forecasts to leaders to influence future product strategies.
  • Analyzed selling reports and communicated findings at weekly business meetings.
  • Collaborated with regional & digital merchandisers to effectively translate product strategies to the customer, enabling product alignment and creating an inspirational shopping experience.
  • Lead monthly supplier calls with ~25 brands, negotiating discounts, re-orders and future cancellations to improve inventory turn, sales volume and profitability.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

University of Washington

Skills

  • Supplier relationship management
  • Pricing analysis
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Negotiation
  • Strategic planning
  • Forecasting
  • Continuous process improvements
  • Financial planning

Timeline

Buyer: Modern Classic Apparel

Nordstrom
07.2023 - 02.2025

Buyer: Contemporary Apparel

Nordstrom
01.2016 - 07.2023

Buyer: Topshop/Topman Apparel & Accessories

Nordstrom
03.2013 - 01.2016

Assistant Buyer: Trend Apparel

Nordstrom
05.2011 - 03.2013

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

University of Washington

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